Lifestyle Outdoor eating


Taking care of picnics


Now that the weather’s getting warmer many of us are thinking of heading outdoors for a culinary al fresco feast


Eating outdoors is one of the things we enjoy about the spring and summer months. Heading off to a picturesque spot – even if it’s just the back garden – with a well-stocked picnic basket is something we can’t resist at this time of year. But whether your picnic is simple or sumptuous, remember that picnics can cause havoc with your digestive system if you don’t follow the basic rules of food hygiene. With picnics, the main challenge is to keep your food cool


enough to stop it turning into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. So here’s how to make sure your outdoor feast doesn’t turn into a fiasco:


• Store cooked foods in the fridge overnight so they’re properly chilled before you pack them.


• Pack foods as they come out of the fridge. Don’t let them get warm.


• Keep any meats, fish or eggs cold by packing them with ice blocks, ideally in a cooler bag. If you don’t have any ice blocks, use a frozen bottle of water that’s about two- thirds full.


• When you reach your destination, store your hamper in a shady spot instead of leaving it in the car.


• Take plenty of cutlery and use different serving spoons for each dish.


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• Pack some anti-bacterial wipes or gel and make sure everyone cleans their hands before they eat.


• Unpack your picnic just before you’re going to eat and throw away any food that’s not eaten within two hours.


Unwelcome guests One of the downsides of picnics is they can attract bees, wasps and other insects, so keep food – especially fruit and other sweets foods – and drinks covered up. If you’re stung or bitten by an insect, wash the affected


area with soap and water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the area is painful or swollen, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. If, however, you have a lot of swelling and blistering, see


your GP. Call 999 for an ambulance if you experience severe symptoms after a bite or sting.


Perfect picnic spots Coast or country, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots in the UK. For inspiration, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/perfect-picnic-spots to find some of the best places for eating outside. However the British weather can be unpredictable,


even during the spring and summer months. If it rains, you don’t have to cancel your picnic – take the party inside and spread a blanket on the floor instead.


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